Sample Preparation Stirrer With Filtration for Particle Homogenization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory devices struggle to efficiently pulverize particles in liquid samples and prevent them from entering analysis systems, leading to clogging and inaccurate measurements due to particle precipitation and vortex formation.

Innovation Solution

A sample preparation device with a motor-driven stirring rod and adjustable blades that can pulverize particles and continuously stir samples, equipped with a filter to prevent large particles from entering the analysis device, while minimizing vortex formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a magnetic stirrer is used to stir the sample, then the sample can be stirred, but particles cannot be pulverized and the particle size cannot be reduced further

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample homogeneityVSAvoidparticle size reduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stirring function (magnetic stirrer) with the pulverization function (homogenizer) into a single integrated device. The stirring rod and homogenizing elements work simultaneously to both stir the sample and reduce particle size, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sample homogeneity and achieving further particle size reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions: stirring, pulverizing, and homogenizing all in one operation. The magnetic stirrer provides stirring action while the homogenizing elements provide particle size reduction, making the device universal for both tasks rather than requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a homogenizer is used to pulverize particles, then particle size can be reduced, but the liquid level rises and sample may overflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidsample overflow
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the magnetic stirrer to continuously stir the sample during the pulverization process. This continuous stirring counteracts the vortex formation and liquid level rise that would otherwise occur during high-speed homogenization, preventing sample overflow before it can happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic stirrer operates continuously during the homogenization process, maintaining continuous stirring action that prevents the liquid level from rising excessively. This continuous action ensures that the sample remains well-mixed and prevents overflow throughout the particle size reduction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If particles are not sufficiently stirred, then particles remain undissolved, but particles precipitate to form precipitate affecting measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle dispersionVSAvoidmeasurement repeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stirring function with the particle size reduction function into a single integrated operation. The magnetic stirrer continuously stirs the sample while the homogenizing elements reduce particle size, ensuring particles remain dispersed and do not precipitate, thereby maintaining both particle dispersion and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Quantity of substance

If excessive particles are present in the sample, then particles can be detected, but particles clog pipes inside the liquid analysis device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle concentrationVSAvoiddevice operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing particle size reduction and filtration before the sample enters the liquid analysis device. The homogenizer reduces particle size and the filter removes larger particles, preparing the sample in advance to prevent clogging in the analysis device while maintaining the necessary particle concentration for detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary filtration system between the sample preparation and the liquid analysis device. The filter acts as an intermediary that removes particles that would cause clogging while allowing the sample to proceed to the analysis device, ensuring device operation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures reliable and efficient sample processing by effectively reducing particle size and preventing overflow, enhancing the accuracy and repeatability of liquid analysis.

Implementation Method 1

The motor drives the stirring rod and/or the blades to rotate, and the motor has an adjustable speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Since a filter device is provided at the first outlet, larger particles cannot enter a liquid analysis device through the filter device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029315A1Sample preparation device
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH CO KG
  • US20260029315A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029315A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sample preparation device for analyzing a liquid sample, the sample preparation device including a container and a stirrer. The stirrer includes a motor, a stirring rod, and blades for stirring a sample within a mixing chamber of the container and pulverizing particles in the sample. The motor drives the stirring rod and/or the blades to rotate, and the motor has an adjustable speed. The motor, the stirring rod, and/or the blades are movable in a vertical direction. The container has an inlet for supplying the sample and at least one first outlet for discharging the sample, wherein a filter device is provided at the first outlet.